Date of release : 28-02-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

On Monday, 28 February 2005, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, paid a working visit to Luxembourg. The President of Cyprus was received by the Prime Minister and current President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker. Their talks revolved mainly around problems relating to reunification of the island as well as issues of current interest at European level, particularly the financial perspectives.

During a press conference held after the meeting, Jean-Claude Juncker stated that with regard to Turkey’s signature of the protocol relative to the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement - one of the conditions that have to be satisfied before accession negotiations with Turkey can begin on 3 October 2005 - "the Member States of the European Union expect Turkey to sign as soon as possible." Replying to a question on the implementation of the two regulation projects aimed at fostering development of the northern part of Cyprus, Jean-Claude Juncker said: "I believe that what has been agreed upon must be applied, and we believe that the discussions on the two regulations must be continued."